Protecting children and young people from abuse and creating safer sporting environments are at the heart of a major European conference taking place in Monaco this week, with senior government officials and sports representatives gathering at the Grimaldi Forum.
Preparatory discussions began on Tuesday, November 3, bringing together the Saint-Denis Committee and the Consultative Committee of the Council of Europe’s Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) ahead of Wednesday’s ministerial conference.
The opening day’s programme included meetings between senior officials, as well as a parliamentary discussion examining how stadiums can become more welcoming and inclusive environments. Delegates also marked the tenth anniversary of the Saint-Denis Convention, which establishes standards for safety, security and services at football matches and other sporting events.
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A reception at the Oceanographic Museum was scheduled for Tuesday evening, with several Council of Europe conventions due to be signed during the event.
The ministerial conference is due to open at 9am on Wednesday in the Grimaldi Forum’s Salle Ravel, with welcome addresses from His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset and Leila Marques Mota, First Vice-President of the International Paralympic Committee.
The morning sessions will focus on building a shared European commitment to safer and healthier sport, with contributions from government ministers, child protection specialists and a representative of young people.
Following statements from ministers and heads of delegation, Princess Charlène is scheduled to introduce the afternoon programme at 2pm.
A subsequent panel will explore how political commitments can be translated into practical improvements across the sporting world. Among the announced speakers are European para-golf champion Caroline Mohr and FIFA child protection specialist Marie-Laure Lemineur.
The afternoon discussions will examine how governments and sporting organisations can work together more effectively, including the resources, funding and specialist support required to improve protection and wellbeing.
A press briefing is scheduled for 3.30pm, followed by the planned adoption of a conference resolution at 5.30pm. Closing addresses will conclude the public programme before ministers and delegation leaders from EPAS member states hold a private meeting.
The conference places particular emphasis on ensuring that commitments made at European level lead to meaningful changes in clubs, stadiums and training environments. Establishing clear responsibilities, improving access to specialist expertise and maintaining long-term support will be central to efforts to ensure that young people can participate in sport in safer conditions.
